Menards to sponsor Pagenaud for 10 races in 2017

The home improvement brand’s original deal for three races – which was extended to five this year – started off on a high note with victory in the Grand Prix of Indianapolis in May. The expansion to 10 races in 2017 will again incorporate the Indianapolis 500.

A family-owned company started in 1958, Menards is headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and has 300 home improvement stores across the Midwest.

“Partnering Menards with our Verizon IndyCar Series program just makes sense,” said team owner Roger Penske. “The company’s deep Midwest roots are a perfect fit with the IndyCar fan base.

“Menards is a great example of a partner that is completely engaged with our program at Team Penske. They not only make the most of our partnership by building brand awareness, Menards also helps market and promote the series, as well as our other team partners.”

Brand owner John Menard, whose Indy Racing League team scored 10 victories between 1996 and ’01, commented: “It’s been far more pleasurable competing with Roger than competing against him. It’s been a very exciting year, and I thank Roger and I thank Simon because they’ve both done an amazing job.

“It’s like a fairytale. All of a sudden, this gentleman from France ignited the IndyCar racing world and just took off.”

Pagenaud, on the brink of taking his first IndyCar championship, added: “Menards is an institution in the Midwest and it’s an honor to represent them. Every time I walk into one of their stores I’m amazed. There’s nothing you can’t find there. More importantly, though, is the friendly atmosphere the store associates create.

“Everyone at Team Penske is looking forward to growing with Menards next year and into the future.”

Penske also suggested that the #22 car of Pagenaud may switch to the #1 for 2017, should Simon clinch the championship tomorrow. He said that Menard has already looked at artists' impressions of the 2017 livery bearing the #1.